Mexican bishops emphasize the dignity of chidren

Mexico City, Mexico, May 3, 2010 / 19:50 pm

The Mexican Bishops’ Committee on the Family, Youth and the Laity, called on Mexicans this week “to commit themselves before God” to protecting the “life and dignity of children, and their integrity in the family, the Church and society.”

The statement, signed by Bishop Francisco Chavolla Ramos, was released for Children's Day. The message recalled the value that the Gospel gives to children. “The Lord Jesus, the Son of God, was very severe with those who harm a child, no matter who they are.”

Moreover, the statement indicated, “The Church does not forget that Christ made children the examples and teachers of simplicity, which opens the gates of the Kingdom of God for us.”  For this reason, “He commanded us adults to treat them with special importance, respecting in each child the innocence that allows them to contemplate the very Face of God.”

“We discover that the child, all children, are Good News and must embraced, with a thankful heart, by both parents and those of us who have the mission of supporting them.”  The statement added that they must be cared for and educated “in the love of a family.”

Bishop Chavolla called for a conversion of heart so that by transforming the family, the Church and society, all Mexican children would be guaranteed the care of which God himself is the guarantor and custodian.

“All of us who form the Catholic Church, as disciples and missionaries, will always fight to promote them, support them and offer them comprehensive education that will prepare them for a decent, full and happy life,” the bishop concluded.